Two beetles for ID please

[loripo]

Irridescent green beetle was very active - on a wall, the other on a pathway.

[lync]

Both Carabids, possibly both Harpalus sp.

[Beekeeper]

Just a question, the top picture has some things that look a bit like a miniature chimney brushes, obviously some sort of aerial seed pod but i just wonder what they are.

Ian

[loripo]

I think they're plane tree seeds. Lots of those nearby this path.

[jaguarondi]

From the downiness on the wing cases (visible towards the tips) of the top beetle I'd say it's Harpalus rufipes. A very common species.

[loripo]

Thanks for that

[Beekeeper]

Originally Posted by loripo

I think they're plane tree seeds. Lots of those nearby this path.

Of course, i hadn't noticed that you were from London, there are non of those here in the New Forest that i am aware of but if there are, i am sure someone will tell me.

Cheers loripo

[loripo]

Unless there are any old Victorian properties that might have had the odd one or two, probably not. They're city trees really and I forget that too I'm so used to them

[Paul mabbott]

Indeed, both Harpalus sp but unfortunately not quite the magnification to see some important elements. Might be H. tardus, H. latus, H. rubripes but I would go for H. affinis (formerly H. aeneus) but please don't take that as 'gospel'!
Harpalus spp are one of the few genera which are phytophagus: they eat seeds.

[loripo]

Thanks. The small green one was too fast to get a good image, and the other was when I was looking for birds, so didn't get more than the one. I'll read up on them and have another look.